Scotiabank Charity Challenge

Run for You, and Your Community

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge unites the spirit of runners with a unique fundraising program to help create a stronger future for young people and build vibrant communities.

Make your run more meaningful by helping one of our official Charities reach their goals while you are achieving yours! Set up a fundraising page or make a direct donation during your race registration. As Scotiabank covers all the fees associated with online fundraising, 100% of the funds raised will go directly to your chosen charity.

Congratulations on helping surpass $50 million!

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge began in 2003 across the country collectively raising over $50 million which went directly to charities throughout Canada.

1. Register online*

a. REGISTER FOR THE RACE - Please note that you can only register one person at a time if setting up fundraising pages.

c.CHOOSE YOUR CHARITY AND SET UP YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE - During your registration you will be asked to if want to choose the charity challenge, Fill in the information. After you are complete your registration see the bottom right corner and click on the yellow button. Please note – you can enter your fundraising page by logging directly in to Artez

We believe everyone, despite their limitations, have the right to live in a safe home and be part of a supportive community. We believe everyone, regardless of their circumstances, when provided with the proper support and opportunities can thrive. The Scotiabank Charity Challenge is for everyone. Come walk, run, roll or cheer us on! We hope you can help us reach our goal of 30 runners raising $30,000 for Accessible Housing.

Please sign up and join us! You can sign up as an individual, as a family or as a team. Run, Walk or Roll because everyone belongs.

The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society's mission is "Changing Lives through Kindness" to create our vision of "A Compassionate World for All Animals." In Alberta, thousands of cats and dogs are homeless, abandoned, abused or living in horrendous conditions and AARCS is there to help. In 2016, AARCS took in over 3,000 cats and dogs. We cared for them by providing medical care, spaying/neutering, vaccinating and then found their forever families.

AARCS is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of the public to help cover the costs of all our expenses, the majority being veterinary care for our animals. This spring we are planning on opening the AARCS Veterinary Hospital. We have leased a new property to house more animals, additional office space and build our veterinary hospital. We are hoping to raise $500,000 to help with the build-out of the clinic, equipping the facility and program operations.

Every day, 43 Albertans hear the words “you have cancer.” These aren’t just statistics, these are our families, our friends, and our neighbors. At the Alberta Cancer Foundation, we know more can be done and we are pushing for faster results that will improve the lives of 43 Albertans today. We make a difference by providing reduced risk, earlier diagnosis, improved treatment, and enhanced quality of life all across the province.

Join us to support the 17,000 Albertans that are diagnosed with cancer every year across the province. Run for your mother, your father, a grandparent, a sibling, a friend, a co-worker, a neighbour or even a stranger. The money that you will raise for the Alberta Cancer Foundation will be donated to the area of greatest need. Feel free to make your own cancer conquering t-shirts and get others involved! We hope that you would love to join us and make more moments for Albertans facing cancer.

As the official fundraising body for the Alberta Children's Hospital, all money raised by the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation is re-invested in child health needs in this region. Through the generosity of our donors we are able to provide funding for family centred programs, specialized life-saving equipment and advanced pediatric research to help the 95,000 kids and families who visit the Alberta Children's Hospital each year.

Thanks for being on our team and for supporting sick and injured kids at the Alberta Children's Hospital! We are so grateful for your help. As a member for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation run team, we will be in contact with you closer to the run, to see if you would like to purchase team swag.

Join Alberta Guide Dogs in raising funds to help breed, raise, train and place Guide Dogs and Autism Support Dogs with those in need. Any fundraiser who raises more than $250 will receive a personal Puppy Scholarship Package ($250 gift). This includes a photo of one of our puppies-in-training and regular updates from the puppy from the times it is 2 months to 24 months of age.

Help a puppy grow from a lovable bundle of fur into a life-changing dog! BC & Alberta Guide Dogs provides professionally trained Guide Dogs for blind or visually impaired individuals (age 13+) as well as Autism Support Dogs for children (age 4 - 10) with moderate to profound autism. It costs up to $35,000 to breed, raise, train and place a working dog and our dogs are given to those in need free of charge.

The ALS Society of Alberta is a non-profit organization dedicated to making each day the best possible day for people living with and affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It is the only non-profit organization in Alberta that provides support to those affected by the disease, and is one of the largest funders of cutting-edge ALS research across the country.

Funds raised for the ALS Society of Alberta will go toward client support services in the province. This includes the Equipment Loan Program, home visits, support groups, information, referrals and support for children through the Support for Champions program. Your support makes a significant impact for those living with and affected by ALS in Alberta.

Aspen is about People First, Community Always. Commitment to lasting change comes from personal buy-in, not direction from others. At Aspen, we build capacity and support problem solving among youth, families and communities to unlock potential and transform lives. Help your neighbours. Give to the Aspen Stepping Stones Fund to provide creative ways for Calgary and area children, youth, and families to step out of vulnerability and towards sustainable lives.

We know that sustainable change is only possible when people are engaged in directing and contributing to that change. Walk, skip, jog, run to get involved! Aspen's clients and program participants can't succeed without a caring community of volunteers, donors, staff, foster families and support homes for youth tackling addictions and eating disorders. Together, we can work with youth, families and community to unlock potential and transform lives.

Brain injuries and strokes do not discriminate. They do not affect individuals based upon race, religion or socio-economic status. In Canada, 465 people a day suffer a brain injury (this is one person every 3 minutes), and by 2038 725,000 Canadians will be living with long-term stroke disability. Brain injuries and strokes affect YOUR family, YOUR friends and YOUR community. Please join us! The Scotiabank Calgary Marathon enables you to help make life better for our clients and their families. Run, walk, roll or just cheer us on – your energy and effort will yield amazing results for our clients.

Autism Speaks, along with Autism Speaks Canada (ASC), is the world’s leading autism organization enhancing lives today and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. ASC is committed to supporting research and services across the country; raising public awareness to encourage inclusion; and collaborating with other organizations to speak alongside the autism community. Join us by registering in support of ASC or making a donation to make a difference for individuals and their families living with autism. All participants raising $500 or more will receive a one of a kind ASC running shirt!

Between Friends provides quality social, recreation and self-development opportunities for people with disabilities to connect, grow and belong. Between Friends offers a variety of programs to children, youth and adults that reduce the barriers of isolation and function as the building blocks of friendship. By racing on behalf of Between Friends you are helping the many people with disabilities that seek social and recreational activities which are fundamental to enriching self-esteem, quality of life, and mental and physical health. Between Friends facilitates programs with these goals in mind while promoting a focus on shared interests over individual differences.

BBBS Calgary seeks to impact the lives of young people and volunteers through the power of mentoring, helping every young person realize their full potential. We seek to facilitate meaningful, professionally supported and monitored matches between adult volunteers (mentors) and children/youth (mentees) ages 6 through 18, living in Calgary and Area in order to promote positive child and youth development and well-being.

BBBS is a donor-supported, volunteer-driven organization founded on mentoring as a proven strategy for ensuring resiliency, future orientation and social support for children and youth. Through a wide range of 1:1 and group mentoring programs, we currently serve over 2,000 children and youth and volunteers, in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks, and surrounding areas. Our mentors teach by example the importance of giving and giving back, staying in school and having respect for family, peers and community. Mentoring relationships challenge and support young people, allowing them to realize they have the ability to succeed and make life-changing decisions.

Breast Cancer Supportive Care (BCSC) is a community based organization that provides medical and supportive care to breast cancer patients and their families. BCSC is truly unique from all other breast cancer clinics in Canada. We are a specialized and leading edge treatment clinic that offers patients customized medical advice, coaching and counseling from a team of expert physicians to provide healing, empowerment and hope to patients and their families.

Please join us for the 2017 Charity Challenge and make a difference for the future!

The Calgary Dream Centre is a faith-based recovery organization working to change the lives of those most vulnerable in our city. We are committed to helping men and women recover from addiction and end the cycle of homelessness. We engage with people on the streets and in our programs, supporting them as they take steps towards recovery and a new, purposeful life.

Our process of transformation helps individuals to escape the cycle of homelessness and addiction. We are committed to meeting individuals where they are and providing them with the tools necessary to move forward. We offer addiction recovery, transitional housing, and long term affordable housing to the most vulnerable members of our community. Our ultimate goal is for our men and women to reconnect to their families and become productive, contributing members of society. Run, donate, volunteer today!

The Calgary Drop-In provides over 50 programs and services to over 20,000 low-income and homeless people each year. In an age where marginalized Calgarians have few resources to fall back on, the Calgary Drop-In is a one-stop resource for homeless Calgarians to access vital services and meaningful supports to assist them in finding what they need to live, learn and thrive.

Your critically important financial support makes it possible for the Calgary Drop-In Centre team to shelter, feed, clothe and counsel homeless Calgarians to a better future. Our success is directly linked to people like you who make a difference.

Join us! At the Calgary Girls Choir vocal and choral skills are developed, along with a passion for beautiful music.The Senior Program (Viva: Gr. 4-7; Brava: Gr. 7 - university) provides training in vocal production, musicianship, and artistic expression, cultivating the mature polished sound heard at concerts, tours, competitions, and on CDs. The Junior Program (ages 4 - Gr. 5) is a Kodály program fostering singing skills and music literacy to develop a child’s ear, taste, and passion for music.

We collaborate with early-childhood colleagues and healthcare providers to give books to parents of newborns. In schools, our trained volunteers read with Kindergarten and Grade 1 children to build essential language skills. Our Reading Place research is exploring the environments, activities and supports at school and home that most help children learn to read and grow to love books. Our work is needed because: • 49% of adult Canadians have low literacy skills • Alberta’s high school completion rate of 75% is one of the lowest in Canada • 29% of Alberta’s children start Kindergarten without the foundation they need to be successful.

Calgary Reads, and through our collaborative networks, helps children be ready and able to read. It’s that simple and that important. If children aren’t confident readers by Grade 3, statistics indicate they may never catch up. So, we work with schools, parents, caregivers and the community – because we all have a role to play in helping children learn to read.

The Calgary Sledge Hockey Association offers children, youth and adults the opportunity to play recreational based Sledge Hockey through our Junior and Intermediate teams as well as the opportunity to develop into a more competitive team which we are currently striving for with a senior development team. We encourage recreation, comradery, sportsmanship, and a sense of community for all our teammates. We believe in providing every individual with the opportunity to participate in sport.

Our mission is to provide support to adults with developmental disabilities to reach their greatest potential through quality residential services and community access. CSPD believes that each individual is entitled to experience personal growth within society. The organization is committed to the provision of support to individuals based upon the needs of the individual as they themselves have expressed them.

The Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (CWRS) is an integral member of Calgary’s communities, providing professional care for wildlife rehabilitation since 1993. Each year we receive over 2500 injured or orphaned wild animals and respond to thousands of wildlife-related calls from the public. In addition, CWRS provides motivational, skill-building experiences for volunteers and valuable outreach and education services to the community. CWRS is the only wildlife hospital within the City of Calgary.

What if you were hit by a car and nobody stopped to help? This is the reality for countless wild animals injured that are injured every day by their contact with humans; caught in barbed wire, electrocuted on power lines, poisoned, striking windows, hit by cars. CWRS is the only wildlife hospital in Calgary and provides a second chance for these animals to live the wild life they were meant to. Your donation will help provide food, shelter, medical treatment and care for the thousands of wildlife patients we receive every year. Every life has value.

Our Foundation is focused on awareness, research and support for individuals with Aniridia, a rare genetic disease that effects eye development. Aniridics face a spectrum of vision impairing conditions and ocular degeneration resulting in blindness. Few treatment options are available and support systems are inadequate. Our hope is that advanced research will improve the quality of life for Aniridics helping them to successfully manage this complex disease, and eventually leading us to a cure.

Canadian Humanitarian is a non-religious, non-political organization dedicated to providing hope and opportunity to children, family, and communities, working primarily in Ethiopia. The mission of Canadian Humanitarian: ‘To break the cycle of poverty by providing orphaned and vulnerable children and their families with access to health care, education, vocational training, and the basic necessities of life such as nutrition and shelter.’ We believe that poverty can be broken and that together we can change lives.

Canadian Humanitarian Organization has been involved in development projects in Africa for 22 years. We believe that permanent change requires long-term commitment. We enroll the poorest of the poor in our projects ASAP, and support them through their primary, secondary, and post-secondary education, providing the necessities of life, and the environment and opportunity to reach their potential. We measure our success by the number of our children who grow up to be successful, contributing members of their community. We assess the sustainability of our projects over generations and have succeeded when our graduate’s children will not need our programs.

For almost 50 years, the Canadian Liver Foundation has been committed to promoting liver health and providing hope to people living with liver disease. One in four Canadians will be touched by some form of liver disease in their lifetime. Help us "bring liver research to life for all Canadians" by joining our Give'r for Liver team at the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon. Funds raised will support children's liver disease research and liver cancer research.

Support the Canadian Liver Foundation by joining our Give'r for Liver team. Challenge yourself and experience the exhilaration of crossing the finish line; not only completing a personal goal, but knowing that you have contributed to the ultimate goal of "a world without liver disease." Team members are encouraged to join our "Weekend Walkers" to help you train, and for those that raise a minimum of $250 for liver research, you will receive a Give'r for Liver training shirt. Join us, and help fight liver disease ... one kilometer at a time!

Unlocking Potential so all can learn...CanLearn is a leader in services for learning and attention difficulties and an innovator in literacy programs. CanLearn helps children, youth and adults understand how they learn and strategies to be successful.â€‹

Together, we can unlock potential so all can learn! We help all who access our services to build the skills and strategies they need to read and learn with confidence and to manage their learning and attention difficulties. By fundraising for CanLearn you are helping change lives. 100% of funds raised stay local, supporting the work we do with clients every day. Be one of the first 10 to join our team, and get free race entry. Call Megan at 403-686-9300 ext.131 to learn more.

Carya is here for Calgarians. Chances are you know one of the 40,000 Calgarians that accessed our services last year. Maybe an older adult who was able to stay in their home after carya connected them with community services or a neighbor who’s turned to Carya to help them manage their anger and stress. Perhaps you have a friend who’s learned to cope with past trauma & move past destructive behaviours with our help. We’re here to help all Calgarians uncover their strengths and realize their potential. Joining #teamcarya means you are helping Calgary and it's communities get stronger!

The Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta (CPAA) envisions a Life Without Limits for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. It is our mission to make a difference by enriching and supporting the lives of children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. To achieve our mission, we use our programs, services and collaborations to advocate and promote awareness, acceptance and understanding for persons with disabilities to live, learn and work in our community.

One child is born in Canada every 4 hours with cerebral palsy. It is not a disease - it is the most common disability among children, and there is NO CURE. We encourage you to join the CPAA fundraising team and make a difference to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every facet of society, from the web to the workplace, from the classroom to the community. By joining you’ll receive a free team of 4 for our Steptember campaign, a month long team building activity that improves your health and well-being, a value of $100.

We provide family-focused support, resources, programs and opportunities to Calgary area individuals and families affected by Cerebral Palsy and other neuromotor disorders, throughout their life journey. One of our major goals is to ensure that all children with severe physical challenges will see the benefits of being active and leading a healthy lifestyle. The funds generated will ensure that every child with a physical disability will know the simple joy of riding a bike.â€‹

The funds raised will be utilized to support our adapted bike program. The program provides specially modified bikes to children, giving them the stability and mobility to have the freedom to ride like any other child. Our goal is to provide access to these kids to ensure that they have an active lifestyle. The adapted bike program runs on an annual basis and is life-changing for our families. You can run for us and/or help us "Light up a Child's Life" by raising and donating money so we can fulfill these children's dream of having a bike!

Our mission is to create victories for Canadian children with cancer through investment in national, collaborative, lifesaving research, and empowering education and community programs. Our goal is to make the future brighter for every child with cancer, from diagnosis to recovery and beyond: - Helping families cope with their child’s diagnosis - Creating and connecting communities of support - Providing scholarships to childhood cancer survivors - Funding the most promising research.

Childhood Cancer Canada (CCC) is the leading national foundation dedicated to funding research, and programs & services for children with cancer and their families. Be a HERO. Do something big for someone small. Sign up to run on behalf of CCC, to support families, inspire cancer fighters and help find gentler treatments and cures for childhood cancer. Kids can’t fight cancer alone!

Here is an excellent way to get in shape, cross an item off your bucket list and help support vulnerable children in Calgary all at the same time! Register for the Calgary Marathon and run or walk with us to raise money for the Children's Cottage Society. When you register for your race, select Children's Cottage as your charity of choice. You will then create a fundraising page that you can send out to your contacts. If you are looking for some unique fundraising ideas, contact Elisha at ejackson@childrenscottage.ab.ca. Together we will run/walk towards ensuring Safe Children in Healthy Families.

The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada is the largest of all Canadian Wish granting charities dedicated to granting Wishes to Canadian children between the ages of 3 and 17 who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, including complex genetic and neurological diagnoses. For more than 30 years, The Children’s Wish Foundation has worked tirelessly to grant heartfelt Wishes to nearly 25,000 children and their families, with over 2,200 of those right here in Alberta.

We recognize that many people and businesses are facing challenging times given the current economic climate here in Alberta. In addition to the challenging landscape, Children’s Wish is experiencing an unprecedented increase in referrals of eligible children, compounded by the rising cost of Wishes largely due to the lower Canadian dollar, means we need your help more than ever to ensure we can grant the next Wish. Our Wish children are counting on you to ensure that they receive their Wish!

Fundraising for the colorectal cancer association of Canada will allow us to further our programs and increase our reach to raise awareness all across Canada about colorectal cancer. It is a preventable, treatable and beatable disease. Fundraise for us so we can stop colorectal cancer.

Connect Society understands that a child’s future success depends on developing effective communication. Children who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing face significant challenges developing their abilities to communicate effectively. Early childhood is the optimal time for language learning and for children with hearing loss, this is an especially critical time to develop these skills. As a community agency specialized in assisting young children with hearing loss, Connect Society helps strengthen communication and connections within families and in the community. Join us by registering in support of Connect Society or by making a donation that will support young Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children.

Calgary Urban Project Society is a non-profit organization that was established in 1989 with the aim of helping people overcome the challenges of poverty and attain brighter futures. Through integrated healthcare, education and housing, CUPS and its partners will assist adults and families in Calgary living with the adversity of poverty and traumatic events to become self-sufficient. Last year, CUPS worked with over 9,300 struggling Calgarians.

In these difficult economic times, we need your help more than ever to assist those who may have nowhere else to turn. With the support of caring Calgarians, CUPS helped almost 9,400 adults and children last year. Together, we can ensure that no child or family is left behind and HELP BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY. PLEASE HELP US HELP THOSE IN NEED BY GIVING IN ANY WAY YOU CAN

The DWAF's goal is to raise funds to financially support initiatives that enrich the student experience while attending Delta West Academy. The Calgary Marathon is a great opportunity to engage in a fun activity while raising to funds to directly benefit DWA activities at all ages. Students are encouraged to raise funds by pledging to run in specific marathon events such as the Kids Marathon, 5k, 10k or more. Awards are given for reaching specific fundraising milestones, as well as to top fundraisers.

The DIL Walk Foundation (DWF) is a volunteer run charity, an acronym for Do It for Life (DIL). DWF focuses on Wellness, Access, Linkages & Knowledge. Since it’s inception, DWF has touched the lives of over 25 000 people through educational activities. It's saved the health care system over $8 million (rough estimate, based on number of DIL Walk participants seen by specialists, GP’s, and health professionals, not billed to AHS, over past 5 years).

Heart Disease is universal and affects everyone. DWF helps anyone with heart disease - prevention and management. To achieve this, DWF has collaborated with the U of C to focus its efforts on heart research, by establishing a Heart Research Chair. The Foundation also holds free events throughout the year like CPR training and health fairs. We are using innovative ways to keep patients out of hospital and in the community. Every participant receives DIL Walk T-shirt. Prizes: $100 - $15 Gift $200 - $20 Gift $500 - $50 Gift $1000 - $100 Gift and recognized in DWF Magazine.

Discovery House is an established agency dedicated to the safety and well-being of women and children leaving domestic violence. We do this by providing safe housing and essential supports for women and children fleeing domestic violence as they transition out of short-term shelters. Last year Discovery House provided help, shelter and counselling to 672 women and children in Calgary.

Engineering Ministries International is a non-profit Christian development organization mobilizing volunteer architects, engineers, surveyors, building technicians and other design professionals who donate their skills to help children and families around the world step out of poverty and into a world of hope.

In a world of physical and spiritual poverty, EMI designs a world of hope. Join us as we work to transform lives by providing hope to the poorest of the poor. Make your run/walk more meaningful by helping EMI reach our goals while you are achieving yours! Together, we can help children and families around the world step out of poverty and into a world of hope. Simply register for your run/walk, select 'Engineering Ministries International' as your chosen charity and create your fundraising page. Team EMI members who fundraise at least $100 will receive a runner-friendly EMI t-shirt!

The Epilepsy Association of Calgary is a resource for the 18,000 + Calgarians facing epilepsy. We provide individual support, advocacy, support groups, presentations and community events for anyone affected by or with a seizure disorder through our Support Program. Our Community Education program teaches how to recognize and assist with seizures to reduce the stigma, misinformation and fear so often associated with epilepsy. These educational sessions are available to any business, employer, classroom, institution, or social organization. Join us as we seek to make Calgary a place known for it's understanding and inclusiveness through the spread of support and information!

Foothills Academy Society started in 1979 to meet a unique need in Calgary for children diagnosed with Learning Disabilities. The Society has two mandates: to serve children and youth with Learning Disabilities in a School Program and to serve the greater community through Community Services.

We believe that any child or family affected by Learning Disabilities, regardless of financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to participate in quality programs in a supportive environment with staff who are specially trained to address their needs. In order to achieve this goal, we need to raise close to a million dollars a year to support our bursary fund. The funds raised by the Calgary Marathon will be directed entirely toward this bursary fund.

"Fresh Start is recovering lives by Housing, Treating and Supporting people affected by addiction." We are an abstinence based treatment program, helping men to overcome their addiction and to sustain a life in long-term recovery. AND WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! All funds raised will go directly to continued programming for our men and their families. We currently raise over 51% of our operating budget through donations from community. 1% of our annual budget comes from government sources. We CHALLENGE you to help by running, sponsoring or volunteering with us on May 28th. Together, We heal lives and unite families.

Serving the urban Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community for over 20 years in Calgary, Ghost River Rediscovery offers traditional and cultural leadership programming both outdoor on the land and indoor in the urban setting. Our programs educate, inspire and empower young people through Indigenous ways of knowing, with respect and honour for the natural world, for themselves and for all people. Our vision is to help create a strong, healthy community where all cultures are respected.

In the heart of Devil’s Gap, just outside Banff National Park, is where we run our summer cultural outdoor education camps open to youth from all cultures. The camp is without power, running water or access to the internet or cells phones. Youth are driven to the edge of the camp and then they hike in to the sound of the drum. We offer free urban programs out of our office in Calgary, including traditional crafting, outings, winter camps and other adventures to stay connected to each other, the Elders and keep the spirit of rediscovery going year-round.

We represent, educate and support individuals, families and communities impacted by hereditary breast, ovarian and prostate cancer, which is diagnosed at a much higher rate than spontaneous cancer, often at younger ages. We aim to ensure timely access to quality health information and services, so are actively involved in awareness, advocacy and funding for services and research.

The largest barrier to funding has been the misconception that it must already exist when in fact, despite being known for over two decades and affecting 3-5 times more people than multiple sclerosis, hereditary cancer has received little or no funding from the larger cancer organizations. We don't have the means to provide incentives, prizes or any of the benefits other organizations do to draw your support, but we do offer our sincere appreciation for helping those most vulnerable to a cancer diagnosis. Learn more at hbocsociety.org or riskygenes.org.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation is a national health organization whose vision is to have a word free of heart disease and stroke. This can be achieved through our mission by preventing disease, saving lives, and promoting recovery. Life, it's worth living for.

Did you know? Every seven minutes someone dies of heart disease and stroke in Canada. This is still a stat that remains and is totally unacceptable. Help us CREATE MORE SURVIVORS and support the Heart&Stroke foundation by spreading awareness, running and fundraising for a cause that affects 1 in 2 Canadians. New this year we have HEART HERO CAPES and awesome Heart&Stroke HEADBANDS that we want our dedicated Heart & Stroke fundraisers to wear in the race to show their support. Join us and help make a difference in the lives of so many. Thank you!

For almost twenty years, Inn from the Cold has operated as an agency of last resort for those children and their families who find themselves with no place else to go. We go far beyond the provision of basic needs and offer shelter, sanctuary and healing through an integrated continuum of services. Our door is open 24/7, 365 days a year and we turn no family away.

Looking to show your support of the Inn and get some exercise at the same time? Then we have great news – the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is just around the corner! We would love to see you join us in the race to end homelessness! Walk or run to support homeless families in Calgary – register here and select the Inn as your charity of choice. There are lots of options to suit everyone’s fitness level – from 50kms to 5kms! Check out the options here. please contact Chris Cutler (chris.cutler@innfromthecold.org).

International Justice Mission is a global organization that protects the poor from violence throughout the developing world. IJM partners with local authorities to rescue victims of violence, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors, and strengthen justice systems. International Justice Mission Canada shares in this mission.

Throughout the developing world, the threat of violence is a part of everyday life for the poor. It's as much a part of poverty as hunger, disease or homelessness. IJM combats everyday violence, including slavery, sex trafficking, sexual violence, police abuse of power, property grabbing and citizenship rights abuse. We don't stop at rescuing people who have been abused - our ultimate goal is to prevent the violence from happening in the first place. Run with us in 2017 as we forge ahead in the fight against violence and injustice!

JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults with this disease, JDRF is now the largest charitable supporter of T1D research. The goal of JDRF research is to improve the lives of all people affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D.

We are getting closer and closer to finding the cure. We are delivering life-changing breakthroughs, inventing new treatments and driving scientific progress faster than ever before. We will get there, with your help. We will see the day when type 1 diabetes is no more. With your support JDRF can change the lives of children, adolescents and adults living with T1D. With your support we can turn type one into type none. For more information about the advancements in T1D research go to : www.jdrf.ca/news-and-media/in-the-news/

Kerby Centre provides innovative health, wellness and social service solutions to more than 25,000 older adults each year. Our mission is to assist older people to live as well as possible for as long as possible as residents in the community. Our primary focus is supporting older adults who require access to a variety of resources to sustain and improve their lives.

Our work is made possible thanks to the kindness and compassion of people like you who understand the important role that seniors have played in making the community what it is today. Your support of Kerby Centre’s – Diana James Wellness Clinic will help us continue the legacy of supporting older adults to be socially engaged, physically active and to live healthier lives. To join our team please call Michaela Gagne at 403-705-3178 or email at michaelag@kerbycentre.com. Thank you for supporting much needed programs and services for older adults in Calgary.

Cancer. Is there any word that strikes as much fear? Now imagine hearing that word as the diagnosis for your child. This year alone, 160 families right here in Alberta will face this reality. Our mission is to help kids with cancer on their journey by offering them comfort and support, help and hope, when they need it most. Your support will help us fight childhood cancer on five fronts; with laughter at camp, the best care at the hospital, year-round family programs, innovative science in the lab and by making brighter futures possible with post-secondary education scholarships.

KidSport Calgary and Area believes that all kids deserve the opportunity to participate in organized sport, we do this through assisting qualified kids with their sport registration fees. Funds raised by the community, stay in the community; going to local sport clubs that qualified kids wish to be a part of. Helps us, help the kids in our backyard by raising funds to assist with their sport registration fees! "So ALL Kids Can Play!"

Unfortunately, the need for KidSport funding is not decreasing. On a daily bases the office is filled with applications of parents wishing to have their kids approved so they can get Sally into Soccer and Mohammed into Baseball. In 2017, KidSport Calgary and Area estimates that over 5,000 kids will be approved for funding and over $1.4 million will be distributed to local sport clubs in our community to fund kids sport registration fees. Help us raise over a $1.4 million and help give these qualified kids the opportunity for sport that they otherwise wouldn't have.

The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) is: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. We fund life-saving blood cancer research, as well as services for patients and their families

Join us to walk or run any distance at the Calgary Marathon to help us raise awareness & funds for blood cancers. If you raise $500 or more, you can earn a TNT shirt to wear on race day. Shirt sizes are first-come, first-serve. For those that participate through our Team In Training program and raise $1,500, you can receive free race registration, a purple race day jersey, coach-led training, extra race-day motivation and support, and a ticket to our Inspiration Dinner. You can join this elite Team at http://teamintraining.ca/en-CA/events/scotiabank-calgary-marathon, or by contacting Leigh at Leigh.Born@LLS.org for more details.

The Lupus Society of Alberta was established in 1973 and is one of the oldest lupus organizations in the world. Our mission is to provide education and support on lupus and lupus related issues and enable research to find effective treatments and cures.

Lupus is a complex, chronic autoimmune disorder causing the body to attack its own healthy cells and tissues. This leads to inflammation and damage to joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and brain. The cause of lupus is unknown, there is no cure and lupus can be fatal. There is much work yet to be done. Lupus takes a toll on women, men, children and their families, friends and communities. Your support will make a significant difference to our cause. Please join our fight to improve the lives of Albertans who struggle with lupus.

Made by Momma relies entirely on volunteers and our own fundraising efforts to help thousands of local families each year. 100% of your fundraising dollars will directly impact families in need. 'Team Made by Momma' will provide training & support for all levels, group runs, team t-shirts and home-baked cookies for our runners & walkers! ;) Join our team, be supported, and make a difference directly in the community for families struggling through crisis and adversity. A cancer diagnosis, postpartum depression, fleeing situations of abuse, death of a spouse/child are just a few of the situations we support every day.

Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children between the ages of 3-17 with life-threatening illnesses. To enrich the human experience through Hope, Strength and Joy.

We need your help in granting over 50 wishes this year in Southern Alberta! Our goal is to raise $10,000 through the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon. Join our team and help celebrate wish children and the families experience their one true wish and help us to bring Hope, Strength and Joy to these families. All funds raised in Southern Alberta stay in Southern Alberta.

Making Changes Employment Association of Alberta, also known as Making Changes Association, is a vibrant organization that provides relevant programs, services and resources to empower women and girls in transition. Our goal is to help women build confidence and skills so that they can participate more fully in the community. Making Changes Association assists over 2,200 women and girls each year to build a better future for themselves and their families.

Making Changes is a community of women helping women and teenage girls through life transition by providing them with skills and resources to support their pursuit of meaningful work. We proudly fulfill our mission of empowering women in transition by providing:

• Focused programs for women in transition to enable them to enter the workforce and become self-sufficient.

• Valuable pre-employment training for immigrant women.

• No-cost new and gently used business clothing for unemployed and underemployed women with financial barriers.

• Fashionable and functional clothing for teenage girls to meet their school and recreational needs

Our vision for a community where children, youth and families have the capacity to lead healthy and fulfilling lives is possible with your support! Together, we can ensure that vulnerable people get the support they need to feel safe and supported, gain resiliency and thrive in their community. Join the McMarathoners, our team of first-time walkers and seasoned runners, and take steps or strides towards changing lives of at-risk children and youth. Run, walk and fundraise, and be part of helping these individuals fulfill their potential as members of their community.

McMan Calgary & Area delivers more than 20 programs that evoke positive changes and improve the quality of our community. Each year, more than 2400 vulnerable individuals coping with complex social issues are enriched by our services, which focus on youth homelessness & housing supports, youth transitional support services, supports for youth & families affected by FASD, supports for families & caregivers, and supports for families with children with disabilities. To learn more, visit www.McManCalgary.ca

Founded in 2000, MEOW Foundation is a specialized cat-focused registered charity and humane society with a no-kill mandate. We rescue and facilitate the adoption of stray and abandoned cats into new, loving permanent homes. We work hard to ensure that each MEOW cat is matched with the best possible home based on his or her personality, history, habits and individual needs.

MEOW Foundation is aiming to renovate our newly acquired building into the first, unique cat-focused Adoption Centre in Calgary! Your donations will help us realize a happy outcome for Calgary cats and kittens.

MitoCanada Foundation, a national charity, is Canada’s only not-for-profit organization focused on mitochondrial disease. Our mission is to transform the outlook for persons facing a diagnosis of mitochondrial disease/dysfunction. We envision a future where Canadians of all ages, directly or indirectly impacted by this dreadful disease, feel inspired, empowered and supported to live their best lives. We do this by raising awareness; offering knowledge and supports to patients, families, and caregivers; and funding Canadian research.â€‹

MitoCanada is Canada’s national presence for mitochondrial disease awareness, education and advocacy and the voice of thousands of Canadians who live with a diagnosis of this life-altering disease. Let’s eliminate mitochondrial disease in our lifetime. We can’t do it without you. Join us in Calgary or pledge your support.

Help support local music therapy programs. 100% of the money raised by the Music Heals team will be directed to accredited music therapy programs in Calgary. Join local music therapists, the music industry, and music fans in supporting the power of music.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is Canada's leading national land conservation organization. A private, non-profit organization, we partner with individuals, corporations, other non-profit organizations and governments at all levels to protect our most important natural treasures — the natural areas that sustain Canada’s plants and wildlife.

Conservation of our natural spaces and marathon training have more in common than one would think! Both take weeks, months and sometimes even years of hard work, patience and dedication you can achieve more than what you thought was possible! Join us as we hit the pavement in support of protecting our natural spaces. We can't do it without you!

NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank is Canada's only community-based milk bank. Operating as a charitable organization, NorthernStar screens breastfeeding mothers, accepting donations of excess milk from approved donors to be pasteurized in our laboratory. Milk is then dispensed to sick babies in hospitals and at home. We believe, and science supports, that human milk is the best option for any baby and that all babies have the right to the life-saving nutrients of donor human milk.

This year 100% of funds raised will go towards our Charitable Care Program. As advocates and champions for healthy babies, our goal is to connect donor human milk with as many sick and fragile babies as possible. The Charitable Care Program is generated solely from individual, family and corporate donors, ensures families who cannot afford the dispensing cost have access to milk for their baby.

Ovarian Cancer Canada is the only Canadian charitable organization dedicated to overcoming ovarian cancer. We are working to change the trajectory of this disease by raising awareness in the general public and with health professionals, supporting women living with the disease and their families and funding research to develop early detection techniques, improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

By fundraising for Ovarian Cancer Canada, you will have a direct impact on providing awareness and support for women in our community and helping to overcome the most fatal women’s cancer. Join the Ovarian Cancer Canada team today! As one of the first 10 participants to join our team, you can receive a free entry into the race.

Pawsitive Match Rescue Foundation(PMRF) is a group of dedicated and hardworking animal lovers who give their time, energy and money to help save dogs and cats. We need foster homes for dogs and cats, people willing to help feed, walk and clean for the animals in our holding area, and help with transporting. We are 100% volunteer and all money raised by your efforts to run or walk will go to help dogs and cats. Our incentive prizes-Doggie kisses, kitty cat cuddles and good Karma.

Our mission is to create projects teaching unique and specialized sport and active play programs to children in need. Through education and mentorship, our goal is for each project to leave a positive and sustainable impact on the children and their community.

We believe that every child should have the opportunity to "grow" through sport and play! We invite you to come and "play" with us by joining the Play-it-Forward Team at the Scotiabank Marathon! All funds raised will help us to continue helping underprivileged children to reach their fullest potential. Our mission is to create projects teaching unique and specialized sport and active play programs for underprivileged children and youth. Through education and mentorship, our goal is for each project to leave a positive and sustainable impact on the children and their community. Please visit www.playitforward.ca for more information.

Queen Esther Education Foundation seeks to improve the lives of those in our community through the transforming power of education.

It is our largest fundraising event each year and I would sincerely appreciate your support for our QE charity or the support of others you may know that would value our cause. The goal is big but so is our dream to help local families through the transforming power of education and since you know our charity personally, you also know how passionate we are about ensuring that every dollar is used wisely and in support of those in need.

Rocky Mountain Adaptive (RMA) is a registered charity who enables adults and children with physical, intellectual, cognitive, or developmental impairments to participate in any sports and adventure activities available in the beautiful Bow Valley area. RMA's programs and activities are available to both locals and tourists from around the world. Any donation to RMA will help more individuals achieve their goals and feel the freedom & benefits of mountain sport and recreation.

Rocky Mountain Adaptive (RMA) aims to provide any individual with the chance to feel the freedom and benefits of sport and recreation. Each year as our organization grows, we need more equipment and staff to be able to continue to provide life changing experiences. We are an all year round organization, providing winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, sit skiing, and summer sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, frisbee golf, hiking, and much more. We need your help to grow our organization and reach more individuals.

Ronald McDonald House® Southern Alberta offers a home away from home for out-of-town families with children receiving medical treatment at a Calgary hospital. With your support we can help the more than 300 families who call Ronald McDonald House Southern Alberta home each year. Register now to be enter for a chance to win top fundraising prizes, raffle prizes and free race t-shirts! The first 20 people to register have the chance to receive free registration, when choosing us as your charity of choice for this years Calgary Marathon. Help us give sick children what they need most... their families.

Sage Theatre takes you on a bold, intimate, thoughtful journey exploring the human condition. We showcase talented Albertan artists and provide a platform for artistic growth and achievement. Sage Theatre also founded the Ignite! Festival for Emerging Artists. The festival provides an opportunity for young artists to showcase and develop their skills, while giving audiences an entertaining and engaging sneak peak of the artists who will populate Canada’s performing arts scene for years to come.

Help support Emerging Artists right here in Calgary by supporting Sage Theatre and the Ignite! Festival. The Ignite festival is the only one of its kind in Calgary support emerging artists in Dance, theatre and music. Be part of support the next generation of artists. Participants signed up by May 15th will have a chance to win tickets to the Ignite Festival. All participants will get a Sage Theatre T-Shirt.

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals 60 years or older who are alone or isolated in the community.

Seniors Secret Service provides a very unique and important service to the community. We ensure that some of Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens are not forgotten. For the past 30 years Seniors Secret Service has been partnering with seniors’ groups, housing facilities, outreach programs and health care providers to identify and support isolated seniors in Calgary and surrounding area. Currently we provide over 8500 birthday and Christmas gifts each year to isolated seniors who may otherwise be forgotten. We also support seniors in crisis with our emergency care program, aimed at providing for their basic needs.

SHARP has been one of the top fundraising teams in the Charity Challenge for five years. Our team is committed to helping some of Calgary's most vulnerable people and hosts a variety of fun events including garage sales, host a party, company team-building events/company matching, and more. Join us with your great ideas and enthusiasm! You can run, walk, roll (wheelchair) or just cheer us on!!

The SHARP Foundation provides a spectrum of care and support programs for people living with complex health and social issues including HIV, Hep C, homelessness, mental health, addictions, poverty, histories of abuse/violence/trauma, stigma/discrimination and other chronic diseases. SHARP currently operates in 5 locations in Calgary including two 24/7 group homes, 2 peer-mentored homes and independent apartments. 100% of the funds raised go to client support - activities program, transportation to medical appointments, and more.

To empower persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve independence and full community participation. It is truly a one of a kind opportunity for SCI Alberta to fundraise in support of individuals with a spinal cord injury across the greater Calgary area.

Spinal Cord Injury Alberta is proud to race in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge in conjunction with the Calgary Marathon 2017. It is truly a one of a kind opportunity for SCI Alberta to fundraise in support of individuals with a spinal cord injury across the greater Calgary area. Each team will be raising funds for the vital programs and services provided by SCI Alberta’s Calgary office which include: Rehabilitation Support & Service, Community Development & Systemic Change, Peer Program, Information Services and Fitness Centre.

STARS Air Ambulance is dedicated to providing a safe, rapid, highly specialized emergency medical transport system for the critically ill and injured.

Help us fund a flight! $5,400 will help make one patient’s mission possible – this includes the medical and aviation crew, as well as the necessary medical supplies and helicopter fuel needed from the time a STARS helicopter and crew leaves the base, arrives on scene, and provides critical care and medical transportation for a critically ill or injured patient. When the mission you helped fund has been completed, you will receive a STARS Certificate of Support and information about the mission your donation funded.

Start2Finish’s mission is to break the cycle of child poverty by providing ongoing educational support to Canada’s at risk children throughout their school years, nurturing mind, body and social health so they are empowered to succeed and become role models for change. Our vision is to eradicate the effects of child poverty in Canada through education and fitness. Through our 35 weekly Running & Reading clubs after-school programs, across Canada, we empower children.

Through the nationwide Start2Finish after-school Running & Reading programs, we empower children to improve their literacy skills, physical fitness and social and behavioural skills, and prepare them to achieve life-long success. Your support by joining our Start2Finish team can make a huge difference to the lives of children living in poverty in your community. We offer great incentive prizes for fundraising. For more information about joining our team, contact info@start2finishonline.org.

Challenge yourself and help Team Diabetes and the Canadian Diabetes Association make a difference in the lives of over 11 -Million Canadians living with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Your commitment to support people with diabetes will strengthen the efforts of the Association as we strive to provide world-class research, outstanding programs and valuable services to the 11-Million Canadians currently affected by this disease.

Head to www.teamdiabetes.ca and join our Team for the 2017 Calgary Marathon. If you fundraise our minimum goal, we will cover your race registration fees for you. Plus, we will provide you with an extensive, personalized fundraising page and lots of tools and resources to help you reach your goals! Join our team and help us lead the fight against diabetes, or better yet, to help us END diabetes!

The Mustard Seed has been serving people experiencing poverty and homelessness in Alberta for over 30 years. Our mission is to help people experiencing homelessness and poverty to transition to a place of health and wholeness. We care about the whole person– physical, mental and spiritual. We recognize that the root causes of poverty and homelessness are complex and diverse, and so we continue to grow and evolve with the needs of those we serve.

The Women's Centre is excited to be a participant in the Scotianbank Charity Challenge again this year! As Calgary's only off-campus women's only drop-in space, we serve a large population of women from diverse backgrounds, including many who are living in poverty, struggling with addiction and/or have experienced violence. Sign up at the link below to register and visit our website for tips and tricks on fundraising for your run. Stay tuned for information about prizes!

The Yellowknife Women's Society is a grassroots community organization serving marginalized women, and their families, in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. We operate programs for pregnant women and young families, a daycare, a shelter for homeless women, and a housing first program. The Yellowknife Women's Society recognizes the diversity of women and the validity of their views and goals, and is governed by principles of tolerance, non-interference, peaceful co-existence, valuing the individual, respect, and self-determination.

We are entering in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge in order to fundraise to expand programming and activities for the parents and small children in our Healthy Baby Club and Healthy Toddler Clubs, as well as to help renovate our women's shelter to provide more privacy and dignity for homeless women. Our Executive Director, Bree Denning, will be running the 150k, and would love your support! If you are interested in fundraising and/or running any distance, please email us at ed@centrefornorthernfamilies.org.

YW Calgary is the largest and longest serving women’s organization in Calgary. For more than 105 years we have focused on enhancing women’s safety and well-being while advocating for equity. In 2015, the YW supported more than 6,700 Calgary women and families. Together with our donors, government and other social agencies, we provide shelter, supportive housing, counseling, child development, childcare, education and employment programs that help move women from crisis to stability. Women-centered. Brighter-future focused.